- Actors: John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Tony Wager, Jean Simmons, Bernard Miles
- Directors: David Lean
- Writers: David Lean, Anthony Havelock-Allan, Cecil McGivern, Charles Dickens, Kay Walsh
- Producers: Anthony Havelock-Allan
- Language English
- Classification: PG
- Studio: Carlton
- VHS Release Date: 26 Jan 2000
- Run Time: 118 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004CJ5Q
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,282 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
David Lean's handsome adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel captures the warm humour and richness of character that so many film-makers miss in their reverent recreations of Victorian England. From the nightmarish opening sequence on the windswept graveyard where young orphan Pip (Anthony Wager) meets the desperate escaped criminal Magwitch (Finlay Currie) to the shadowy, musty mansion of the widow Miss Haversham (Martita Hunt) where he first meets the impertinent young beauty Estella (Jean Simmons), Lean captures a child-like exaggeration of reality with his elegant expressionism. When Pip's sudden change in fortune sends him to London as a burgeoning gentleman in high society, Lean sketches a beautiful, bustling city.
John Mills's performance as the adult Pip charts his change from the wide-eyed wonder and generous spirit of the child he was to the class snob transformed by money and social standing, an ugly flaw that Pip confronts when his mysterious benefactor is finally revealed. The outstanding cast also features Valerie Hobson as the grown-up Estella, now a beguiling enchantress, a bright young Alec Guinness in his film debut as Pip's jovial London roommate Herbert Pocket, and the imposing Francis L. Sullivan as the decidedly humourless lawyer Jaggers. Exquisitely photographed by Guy Green (who won an Oscar for his work). Lean and his collaborators effectively maintain the heart of Dickens's epic drama while cutting it to its essentials in this vivid, compelling film. --Sean Axmaker, Amazon.com
Synopsis
In David Lean's definitive adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Great Expectations, an orphaned boy named Pip is befriended by a mysterious benefactor, Miss Haversham, who enables him to become a gentleman of means. The film is set in nineteenth century England.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Out of all the film adaptations of 'Great Expectations', this is by far the best. It captures the warm humour of each charcter, brilliantly and because the film is quite old, the Victorian England set would more or less exactly how it should be, as parts of London in 1946 would still be like that.
One day when pip is out in the Graveyard putting flowers on his parents grave, he comes across an escaped convict whom he takes food to. Many years later while doing his apprentiship as a blacksmith, he is given great wealth and property by an unknown benifactor. Pip has a few ideas of who it could be, but the truth is afr from what he imagined.
In my opinion this is probably one of Charles Dicken's best novels, and even probably one of the best novels ever written. As you will know, reading a Dickens novel is not the easiest of books to read, and this excelent adaptation, allows you to watch it instaed. I do recommend though, that you read the book first as it will assist your understanding of the film, even though the film is very clear as to what is happening.
The acting is simply perfect, especially from young Pip and young Estella who almost seem to 'be' Pip and Estela who have jumped off the pages and come to life. This is what makes a good adaptation.
If you have read the book, then this is a must-see, and if you haven't, then this is still a must see, simply because it is a great film. Beware though, it is in black and white, but this shouldn't matter.
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
From the wonderfully eerie opening scenes on the Essex marshes and Finlay Currie's menacing appearance in a foggy graveyard, you can tell straight away this is a winner. As the story of this "gentleman of great expectations" unfolds, you are treated to one of cinema's classics. David Lean's moody direction keeps you gripped throughout, but it's the acting that really makes the movie: John Mills and Alec Guiness both turn in great performances, and the incidental characters such as Francis L Sullivan's bluff Jaggers and the bumbling but sweet Joe Gargery supplied by Bernard Miles simply steal the show. There have been at least ten versions of this film made. If you only watch one, make it this one: It's a cracker!
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
This versions of Dicken's classic novel "great expectations" is a fantastic adaptation of the book. It follows the book very well and it's the best version i have seen so far out of all 3 versions.
All the actors/actresses are fantastic and i thoroughly enjoyed watching it at school so i bought it. I have been watching it ever since.
The film only misses out a few characters, such as Orlick, who worked for Joe and there are only 1 or two other characters missed out.
So i suggest you buy it, it may be in black and white but it adds to the effect and makes it most enjoyable.
The actor who plays the convict at the beginning
is fantstic when he approaches Pip in the graveyard .
So my advise to you is to buy this.
I am only 15 and have thouroughly enjoyed it.
All the actors/actresses are fantastic and i thoroughly enjoyed watching it at school so i bought it. I have been watching it ever since.
The film only misses out a few characters, such as Orlick, who worked for Joe and there are only 1 or two other characters missed out.
So i suggest you buy it, it may be in black and white but it adds to the effect and makes it most enjoyable.
The actor who plays the convict at the beginning
is fantstic when he approaches Pip in the graveyard .
So my advise to you is to buy this.
I am only 15 and have thouroughly enjoyed it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great Expectations Restored D.V.D
I bought this for my son who is doing G.C.S.E English. It arrived within a few days,and it was enjoyable for him to watch, it made the book more easy to understand. Read more
Published 1 month ago by wimpy kid
"GREAT EXPECTIONS"
i was recently thinking about this film as it has been a very long time since i had watched it. then along comes your offer.ijumped at the chance to buy it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by "da do ron ron"
A memorable film and perfectly restored
I have , with a little exaggeration, been searching for this video ever since DVDs were invented. Anyone who loves films with a literary plot, intelligent dialogue,well developed... Read more
Published 1 month ago by William Allen
Excellent Viewing.
A superb production of a wonderful Dickens' classic, with an outstanding cast, especially the fine portrayal of Pip by John Mills.
Published 2 months ago by R. S. Hughes
great expectations
what a wonderful book written by englands greatest writer,it will be read and reread by all of the family.there are numerous other of his books which i will now start reading
Published 2 months ago by bigjim
A Screen Gem Indeed
Suberb performances from all the actors right down or up to Miss Favisham ! Its black and white but this enhances the mood of the moors and other places like London so invest and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Robert L. Newstead
Expectations realised
This is just the best version of Great Expectations. A masterpiece that's as good now as when I first saw it all those years ago.
Published 4 months ago by Simon T
classic great expectations delivers
A classic book deserves a classic film and this is it.I like black and white films it lends an air of atmosphere that colour loses.
Published 4 months ago by jonty
By far the best adaption of this classic book
If you have only ever seen recent TV or Cinema versions of Dicken's Great Expectations you are missing a real treat. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. G. Robinson
Expected
This DVD called Great Expectations is a classic and will never grow out of peoples mind. The DVD arrived promptly and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a must to buy.
Published 6 months ago by Joyce Passmore
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